Tuesday 22 August – East Harptree Woods. Leader: Geoff Harris

19 members joined Geoff in the East Harptree car park, not realising what was in store for them. Our route took us past Smithams Chimney, then downhill across fields. It took some time to safely cross the cattle field but the reward was Spotted Flycatchers. We then went down Harptree Coombe which was difficult going with many fallen trees and a lot of mud. Then across to Morgan’s Cottage and eventually back to the car park, a distance of just over three miles. In total the group identified 27 species including Red Kite and Sparrowhawk. There were great views of Swallows and House Martins feeding on the wing and among the other birds were Great Spotted Woodpecker and Blackcap. One member of the party was particularly pleased to see a Nuthatch as this was a lifer for them. Many thanks to Geoff for leading the walk on a lovely sunny morning and to Alan for his bird list. Beth Yates